Clingendael: A Question about Space and Learning

The grounds of the Clingendael Institute in The Hague raise an important question: are beautiful settings conducive to or a distraction from serious contemplation and scholarship? Most of us will never have the privilege of finding the answer for ourselves. But take a look at the Institute set in its magnificent estate:

Could you work in this magical setting, writing policy papers on international relations?

For me, the answer is not easy at all.